7PM Musa Kusa: Should we offer him diplomatic immunity, or should he face the full force of British and international law for any part he played in the planning of Lockerbie and other Libyan atrocities? Does his defection signal the imminent collapse of the Gadaffi regime? Should rebel forces take heart from what he’s done?

8PM The future of the high street: Oddbins are about to go into administration, many high street chains have plummeting takings. What’s the future for the British High Street? Are we spending all our money in supermarkets and online? Is it our fault that small independent shops are disappearing from the high street? Or will they experience a revival?

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

1. Guido thanks the BBC for proving just how useless AV actually is.2. Anna Racoon has got hold of Ed Miliband's alternative speech.3. Andy Mayer explains why he will be rallying against debt.4. Mark Pack puts forwards reasons why the Coalition will last.5. Francesca Preece doesn't like iPads in the Commons.6. Gary Gibbon has the details on Arnie's visit to the 1922 today.7. Paul Waugh reports that Alan Patridge visited PMQs today.8. James Forsyth wasn't impressed with Cameron's outburst.9. Walaa Idris thinks we must be very careful in Libya.10. Tory Radio recommends a book for you all to read.11. Pete Wedderburn wants the government to sort out Circuses.12. James Cousins on dog poo.

7PM Libya: As rumours circulate that Al Qadea have infiltrated the rebel forces, could it be that we have been hoodwinked into exacerbating a civil war? Could this be on a par with what happened in Iraq if we’re not careful? Nick Clegg thinks the exact opposite. Is he right?

8PM Religious Education: It emerged today that children as young as four will be taught about atheism. Isn’t this proof enough that religious education has had its day and should be consigned to the dustbin of history? Should we ban religious education in schools which aren’t faith based?

7PM The Riots: As we all take stock of what happened at the weekend I want to ask how a repeat an be prevented and in particular how the Police can protect the poor shopowners who have been targeted again – not by anarchists but by balaclava wearing cowardly thugs. Are UKuncut the naïve innocents they try to portray themselves as, or something more sinister?

8PM EMA: The government announced today that the Education Maintenance Allowance isn’t to be completely abolished. Another U turn, or a wise move which targets money at those who most need it? And we also hear today of a study which predicts there will be 45,000 fewer students in future. Perhaps you think that’s a good thing!

9PM LBC Book Club with David Starkey, author of Crown & Country – The Kings & Queens of England, a history, paperback, £14.99, Harper Press.

7PM The Coalition is encouraging a divided society and practising the politics of division says Ed Miliband. He reckons we’re heading back to the 1980s and we’re being governed by “rotten politics”. Guests: Peter Hain and Dr Tim Bale

8PM Abortion: Next week a cross party group of MPs is launching a fresh bid to restrict abortions. They want women to be forced to receive pre termination counselling, but from an organisation that does not itself carry out abortions and they want to strip the Royal College of Obstetricians of their role in setting clinical guidelines on abortions. Do you think these are MPs are trying to ban abortions by the back door? Or do you agree with them that abortions are too freely available in this country?

9PM As Waterstone’s is set to be sold off to cut losses. What is the future of the book and the bookstore?

Thursday, March 24, 2011

1. Caroline Crampton reports that Goldie Lookin Chain are seeking office.2. Oh no, Nick Clegg has left his mic on and Duncan Robinson has the footage.3. Juan Cole proves in ten ways why Libya is not Iraq.4. Mark Hill highlights 5 reasons why humanity is bad at democracy.5. Matthew Hancock looks at what Portugal means for the UK.6. Dizzy reveals an apparently "independent" quote may not be what it seems.7. Political Scrapbook think Danny A may be bribing the electorate.8. Paul Waugh has the news that iPads are now allowed in the Commons.9. Iain Martin shows us the Budget speech he would have given.10. Andy Mayer reckons Ed Balls' position is shameless.11. Peter Hoskin looks at what David Laws thinks of the budget.12. James Delingpole isn't thrilled with the budget, at all.

7PM Aid to Africa: Lord Mandelson has courted controversy again by suggesting that African aid has been wasted and created an army of ‘professional beggars’. He said money should have been poured into trade deals rather than handouts. Is Peter Mandelson right? Should we reconfigure our aid policies and make them dependent on trade?

8PM Dentistry: We keep being told that it is easier to find an NHS dentist than ever before. But a survey out today shows that the cost of NHS dentistry is encouraging people to delay dental treatment of opt for cheaper care. And 10% of people don’t go to the dentist because they are scared stiff and 20% don’t go because of bad experiences with their dentist. Why do we British care so little for our teeth? And why isn’t dental care free at the point of use, just like any other medical treatment?

British Dental Association wouldn’t put up a spokesman because – and I quote – "It’s been a long day". Pathetic.

Hope you enjoyed Alastair Campbell last night. Tonight, I'm back with a budgetary vengeance... We've got Harriet Harman, Andy Burnham, David Gauke, Matthew Hancock and John Woodock on the show tonight. Impressive, huh?

7PM Were you a budget winner or budget loser? What was the best thing about the budget, what was the worst thing? Budgets are always about winners and losers, and I guess the political success of a budget depends on whether there are more winners and losers. Do you feel this has been a budget for you, or was it a budget in the national interest? Or do you agree with Ed Miliband that it was a non budget – it did nothing for jobs, nothing for growth and nothing for the country? Guests: Harriet Harman and Andy Burnham

8PM Ask the Minister with David Gauke: Exchequer Secretary David Gauke will be joining me for an hour to take questions from LBC listeners on the phone about the budget. Was it a budget for jobs, a budget for growth, or a damp squib? If you want to quiz a Treasury minister, this is YOUR opportunity.

7PM Cameron v Obama: As David Cameron basks in the afterglow of a diplomatic triumph, do you look at him in a different light. Barack Obama was described as the weakest president in history today. Has he failed to give a lead over Libya. Has yes We can changed to Er, maybe we shouldn’t?

8PM Squatting is to be made illegal: Squatting seems to have become more commonplace in recent times. Ken Clarke, the Justice Minister is about to make it illegal, giving homeowners the right to immediately gain possession of their illegally occupied homes. About time? Or overkill? Do you think this is an attack on the weak and vulnerable by an uncaring government determined to protect its supporters who own big empty houses?

9PM What is the solution to urban foxes? Ministers have rejected calls for urban foxes to be reclassified as vermin. Some MPs wanted them to be reclassified to make a cull easier. Are foxes vermin, or should we just live and let live?

Thursday, March 17, 2011

1. Guido reveals that Kinnock set to pocket from Yes to AV.2. Toby Young insists that Mumsnet is not the squeezed middle.3. Ben Duckworth proves that Miliband is as unpopular as Clegg.4. Working Class Tory highlights Ben Bradshaw's sudden change of mind.5. Paul Goodman shows that UKIP do prove a threat to the Conservatives.6. Paul Waugh reveals that Brian Haw have been evicted.7. Peter Hoskin looks at what might be in the Budget.8. David Davis urges the goverment to rethink defence cuts.9. Neil O'Brien on British poverty.10. Nick Pickles thinks we need to take on the enemies of innovation.11. Douglas Carswell reckons we need to learn from the mistakes of Heath.12. Tom Clougherty recommends Niall Ferguson's new programme.

7PM Should the taxpayer be helping first time buyers? A new scheme provides tax payers money to help first time buyers find a deposit? Is this really what taxpayers' money should be used for? If someone hasn’t got a deposit, surely they should save for it?

8PM London dominates a child poverty league table, Why is London the worst place in the country for child poverty? Is it really so bad, here in the capital, and if it is, why? And what exactly do we mean by poverty nowadays?

7PM Reopening the SDR: Both David Davis and Shadow Defence Secetary Jim Murphy have called for the Strategic Defence Review to be reopened in the light of events in Libya. They want Ark Royal to be recommissioned and Harrier jump jets returned to service. Has the Libyan experience shown us that the SDR is already out of date?

8PM Germany has announced a measured exit from nuclear power: Should we follow suit? Or is this a total overreaction by a government which should know better? Isn’t it important that nuclear power remains part of our energy supply mix, or do you think that now is the time to reconsider our commitment to nuclear energy?

Monday, March 14, 2011

1. Peter Hoskins reckons the two Ed's fail the credibility test.2. Anna Racoon gives us a step by step guide to filling in the census.3. Norman Tebbit thinks the country's public services are going dotty.4. Shane Greer on public funding and the arts.5. Tax Payers Alliance prove that the no cuts brigade are a small minority.6. Paul Waugh highlights the change in Labour's economic policy.7. Lord Soley still has confidence in the future of nuclear power.8. Walaa Idris isn't a fan of Ken Livingstone.9. Devil's Kitchen assesses the state of nuclear power stations.10. Mark Wallace thinks Ed Balls has forgotten his love of green taxes.11. David Blackburn looks at what is going on between Miliband and Clegg.12. Helen Duffett shows that Paddy Ashdown supports a No Fly Zone.

Next Tuesday I am off galivanting with Miss Widdecombe. During tonight's programme I will reveal who will be sitting in for me. You might be a little taken aback...

7PM People’s Pledge: Today a cross party campaign was launched to secure a referendum on Britain’s continued membership of the EU. Called the People’s Pledge it aims to put pressure on political leaders to support a poll which would settle this divisive question once and for all. Do you think we need a referendum on our membership of the EU or are we going referendum mad?

8PM Libya: The international community is nearing D-Day, decision day on Libya. Either the UN authorises a no fly zone or it doesn’t. Who should impose the no fly zone, the Arab League? Nato? Or will the international community cut the Libyan rebels loose and signal to Gadaffi that he can kill yet more of his people?

9PM LBC Book Club with Toby Harnden, author of Dead Men Risen (£18.99, Quercus) and Peter Hain, author of Mandela (Spruce, £12.99)Listen at 97.3 FM, on DAB, Sky 0112, Virgin 973 or athttp://www.lbc.co.uk/

7PM Japan: We woke up to the news that Japan had suffered once of the world’s worst earthquakes and was then hit by a tsunami, which is now filtering out across the Pacific. What should the response of the international community be? I’ll be speaking to the International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell.

8PM Drink driving: Positive drink drive tests went up by 14% last year even though there was a 24% reduction in testing. Is it time we got tough on drink driving again? Should we reduce the drink drive limit to zero? Guest: Steve Fowler from What Car?

9PM The state of British theatre: Theatre attendance is booming in the West End and provincial theatres are also reporting full houses. And yet some theatre purists are worried that the mini boom in theatre is being fuelled by poor quality musical productions. Does it matter that theatre in Britain has become less high brow and more populist?

7PM Pensions. Today Lord Hutton published his report on the future of public sector pensions. And it’s provoked a firestorm with public sector unions threatening massive strikes. But why should the public sector be featherbedded at the expense of the rest of us?

8PM The homeless: Westminster City Council apparently want to fine anyone who gives food to the homeless - £500. That’s right, if you give a homeless person a cup of soup or a sandwich, be prepared for the consequences. How does this fit into the Big Society? And how can we solve the homelessness problem in London?

At 7.30PM Should we arm the Libyan Rebels? As Libyan bombers bear down on the rebels and protesters, David Cameron’s suggestion last week that there should be a no fly zone over Libya, looks increasingly prescient. But is it now too late? Is it time we should now consider arming the rebels?

8PM I’ll be joined in the studio by prisons minister Crispin Blunt. He’ll be with me for the whole hour to answer your questions on prisons and prisons policy. The government is heralding a rehabilitation revolution. Do you want to see more emphasis on rehabilitating prisoners? Is that the way to bring down reoffending rates? Or do you want to see criminals punished for longer and more people in jail. This is your chance to tell the prisons ministers exactly what you think. Phone on 0845 60 60 973 or text 84850.

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

1. Mark Wallace has some interesting gossip regarding E Miliband.2. Adrian Masters reports on Labour's coalition split in the Assembly.3. Nicholas Watt reckons Craig Oliver might be the right man at the wrong time.4. Shane Greer takes inspiration from Charlie Sheen.5. Sam Bowman gives us a new way of looking at recessions.6. Hopi Sen thinks Cameron has been taking lessons from Blair.7. Simon Jenkins has a problem with mobiles on the Tube.8. Ed Staite shows George Osborne how he should communicate his budget.9. Bagehot wants people to have the right to burn poppies.10. James Forsyth thinks Cameron needs to make more personal allies.11. Paul Waugh hasn't got much hope for Hague.12. And finally from Guido, 38 years ago today...

7PM Pensions reform: Iain Duncan Smith today announced plans for a flat rate £140 a week state pension. A welcome reform, the end of means testing, and a massive simplification of a terribly complicated system? But does it go far enough, and why should those who don’t contribute to the system receive the same pension as those who do?

8PM Was motherhood better in the 70s and 80s? Well that’s what a new study says. Mothers feel they have less time to themselves and are under greater pressure than previous generations. Is that right? Do mothers today spend enough time with their kids, is there too much pressure to go out to work, are stay at home mums treated unfairly?

7PM Today an Islamist extremist was fined £50 for burning poppies on the anniversary of armistice day. Clearly a despicable act, but was it right to involve the law? What happened to freedom of speech? What are the limits of freedom of speech and freedom of expression? Should we be worried that freedom of speech, expression and thought are now under attack?

8PM Smoking: According to the Office for National Statistics 63% of smokers in Britain want to quit. Well why don’t they just get on and do it then? Well, because half of them find it difficult to go a whole day without smoking. Why do people find it so difficult to quit an addiction?

9PM LBC Book Club with David Baddiel (The Death of Eli Gold, Fourth Estate, HB £18.99) and Jessica Kane (The Report, Portobello Books, pb £12.99)

Friday, March 04, 2011

1. Guido analyses the results of the Barnsley Bombshell.2. Dan Hannan reports that Denmark's PM wants to join the Euro.3. Ed West reckons that UKIP could be the biggest party in Brussels in 2014.4. Mark Ferguson wonders if this signals an end to the Lib Dems.5. Clara Hamer looks at the MoD's latest spending spree.6. Jonathan Isaby has the full results of the Welsh Referendum.

Thursday, March 03, 2011

1. Total Politics give a touching tribute to Mark Hanson.2. James Forsyth thinks Cameron is good in a crisis.3. Tim Worstall tackles the issue of a Robin Hood Tax.4. Guido asks when is a smear not a smear?5. Max Atkinson reveals the entrants for the dictator speechwriting contest.6. Peter Cutbertson reckons if you want to speak at a council meeting, get elected.7. Eamonn Butler outlines the ideas behind a free banking system.8. Mark Pack isn't sure about all this centralisation.9. Ben Brogan says Cameron's "loose talk" annoys the Americans.10. Robert Peston explains why Hunt allowed the Murdoch deal.11. Shamik Das thinks the Cabinet may be split over Libya.12. Stephen Hoffman sheds more light on the link with Libya and universities.

7PM The Minimum Wage. Tomorrow in the House of Commons a Conservative MP is going to table a Bill which would allow employers to pay below the minimum wage in certain regions of the country. Is it sensible in areas of high unemployment to cut the minimum wage to encourage employers to take on more staff, or do you think the minimum wage has acted as a bulwark against unscrupulous employers? Is a national rate sensible, or would it be better to have regional variations?

8PM Today the Post Office lost its lucrative benefits cheques contract from the government, worth £20 million a year. The unions are warning of a post office closure programme the like of which we’ve never seen before. Do you care? Why do we have this sentimental attachment to post offices? Are they really at the centre of our local communities or just outmoded, old fashioned shops which have had their day?

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

1. Mark Wallace warns that Iraq should notscare us into inaction.2. Nick Pickles highlights the lack of data protection in Yes to AV.3. James Cleverly isn't impressed with Labour extremes.4. Alex Barker thinks Nick Clegg should start worrying about universities.5. David Begg gives the business case for High Speed Rail.6. Paul Waugh shows why the memory of Maggie is still being used in Barnsley.7. Anthony Wells takes a look at the polling for the two referendums.8. Political Scrapbook asks what is the point of Nick Clegg?9. Toby Young celebrates getting funding for his new school.10. Tim Montgomerie isn't sure he agrees with Michael Fallon's anaysis.11. Symon Hill reveals more detail about the Christian foster parents.12. EU Referendum is angry about defence cuts.

7PM David Cameron wants a no-fly zone over Libya. Today Gadaffi’s air force bombed two cities. Has Cameron got a point, or do you think we should stay well out of this internal conflict and mind our own business?

8PM You know those Addison Lee cigarette end bins which pubs and restaurants hang on their walls? Well tomorrow Westminster City Council are taking Addison Lee to court in a bid to get them to take down these bins. Are they mad? Isnt this a public service by Addision Lee and hasn’t Westminster Council got better things to do?

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

7PM According to a report from UBS, UK supermarkets are putting their prices up more than their competitors in other countries and faster than inflation. Is this yet another example of UK supermarkets ripping off the consumer, or do you think you get a good service from the supermarkets?

8PM If you’ve got a ten year old, today and tomorrow are important days for you and your child. You’ll hear whether little Johnnie or little Lucy have got into the school of your choice. Have you heard today? Are you still on tenterhooks waiting for the post tomorrow? What will you do if you don’t get your first choice?